"Economic jitters and a favorable Democratic climate are contributing to a competitive presidential contest in Virginia, a traditionally Republican state in national elections but one where Democrats have won the last three races for governor or U.S. Senate," writes Gary Langer, director of the ABC News Polling Unit.

Fifty-two percent call it the single most important issue in their vote, far and away No. 1. And eight in 10 are worried about the economy's direction in the next few years, with 45 percent very worried.

In Virginia, Sen. Barack Obama holds a 10-point over Sen. John McCain among registered voters in trust to handle the economy, the lead grows to 23 points when in understanding the economic woes of Americans.